The lower part of the digestive system is made up of the individual's large intestine and the colon. This part of the digestive system is essentially designed for the collection and disposal of solid wastes that are produced during the process of digestion and absorption. Digestion takes place in the stomach where food is broken down using digestive acids and digestive enzymes. This food then passes into the small intestine where it is infused with more fluids from the pancreas and the gall bladder. Microscopic structures in the small intestine help to absorb nutrients from the food. These nutrients are then passed into the blood stream and used by the body for various different functions. Food that is not absorbed continues to travel through the intestinal system. This food eventually reaches the colon where it collects and awaits disposal.
The lower digestive and intestinal system may need to be scanned if the patient is suffering from some form of digestive distress or pain during digestion and defecation. In order to scan these parts of the body, the use of imaging techniques such as CT and MRI scans is applicable. When these scans are performed, the structure of the intestines and colon can be looked at. One problem with such tests is that they can only look at the external structure of these parts of the body. This is where the barium enema procedure comes into the picture. The barium enema procedure is an imaging test conducted with the help of a contrast material that is made of water and barium. The barium enema procedure involves the insertion of a tube through the anus which is then used to fill the lower intestine and colon with fluid. This fluid coats the lining of the intestine and colon. Subsequent images taken of the area will reveal the inner lining of the part being scanned in much greater detail. A double contrast barium enema procedure would help detect cancer, polyps and other sample tissues in the Gastr intestinal tract.
The barium enema procedure is performed on an empty stomach as there should be no food or waste in the digestive system. The patient may need to be tested for any allergies to barium before the barium enema procedure. Before the test, the patient will be made to wear a loose hospital gown. The barium contrast will then be inserted using a rubber or plastic catheter. Once a sufficient quantity of fluid is filled, the patient will be made to lie flat. The scanner will then perform its functions with the technician speaking to the patient through a microphone from the monitoring room. The test may take up to an hour as different areas are scanned. Once the barium enema procedure is complete, the patient will probably feel the urge to defecate. Normal food should be given to the patient immediately after the test.
Intussusception refers to a condition affecting infants below 5-7 months of age. A barium enema procedure for would be much different. An air barium enema procedure for intussusception is used in infants in order to correctly diagnose as well as treat the condition.
The barium enema procedure for children is performed in the same way. However, during the barium enema procedure for children, parents need to be present. If the parent cannot be near the machine, he or she must be able to talk to the child. This should ensure that the barium enema procedure for children goes off smoothly without the child moving or flinching. Apart from this, there is not much different that needs to be done between a barium enema procedure for children and a barium enema procedure for adults.
In most cases, a barium enema procedure is conducted in a hospital because of the lack of available equipment in a clinic. Most patients who need to undergo a barium enema procedure are usually ill in any case and may need to be admitted to the hospital in the first place.